Thomas Fudge
Science and Technology ReporterA journalist with 30 years of experience, Tom covers science and technology stories for KPBS' platforms. He joined KPBS in 1998 to cover San Diego issues related to growth, transportation, and development. He previously served as host of These Days (now KPBS Midday Edition) and as a news editor. Tom began his broadcasting career in 1988 at WSUI Radio in Iowa City as a reporter and newscaster. He then spent five years at Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) where he worked as a reporter. Following his departure from MPR, Tom was a freelance journalist, working for Twin Cities Public Television, WCCO Radio, and a variety of regional and national newspapers and magazines. He has received recognition for his outstanding work in hosting and public affairs reporting from the Unity Awards, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, and the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
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Scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography descended thousands of meters where they likely discovered dozens of new animal species. Creatures flourish where methane gas seeps into the ocean through cracks in the earth. -
The clean energy source we’ve been pursuing for decades is advancing with 200,000 “plasma shots” at General Atomics in San Diego, and the creation of an international fusion facility in France. -
Scientists at UC San Diego find that gene expression is linked to gene mutations and may be caused by them. That could make efforts to slow the aging process a lot more challenging. -
The artificial intelligence behind Alert California is interpreting camera footage so firefighters can predict how a column of smoke will grow into a wildfire. -
Heightened tension between the U.S. and China could affect the vital relationship China has with American universities and research partners. Scholars call for clearer rules about “safe zones” for joint scholarship. -
As the so-called bird flu wreaks havoc on chicken and dairy farms, scientists warn a new human pandemic could be on the horizon. But researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology say our immune systems can offer some protection.
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"Paper or plastic" will no longer be a choice at grocery store checkout lines in California under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It bans all plastic shopping bags starting in 2026. Consumers will now simply be asked if they want a paper bag. -
The Board of Supervisors will take up an item placing a temporary pause on the application for new battery energy storage systems. -
Once on the ground in Lahaina, the team will assist with search and rescue efforts, animal care and more.
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